Kayden Koshelev might just be 14 years old, but he is wiser than most adults I know. This very smart and fun loving kid is already gracing theaters singing and dancing his way into people’s hearts with drag queens and taking on non-binary character roles on Disney+. If he is our future, I’m here for it! Please read on to learn more about Kayden, his acting, and his advocacy!

Where are you based?
I was born in Burbank, CA but grew up in Chicago. A few years ago I moved back to LA.

What inspired you to pursue a career in acting at such a young age?
I just loved it — singing, dancing, acting, musical theatre. The opportunities just kept getting bigger and better every year. I knew this was what I wanted to do!

You do all the things, sing, dance and act! Do you have a favorite? What is your ideal role?
I love to act. I love bringing characters to life. It's just a bonus when you get to bring singing and/or dancing into that as well.

Are there any films or influential actors/actresses who have influenced your approach to acting?
Those who can do a little bit of everything. I don’t want to be known as one type of actor or person. I want to be known as someone who can do it all — a chameleon. So people like Hugh Jackman, Zendaya, Neil Patrick Harris, Skylar Astin, and Cheyenne Jackson.

You recently starred in “Drag: The Musical.” Can you tell us a bit about this show and your performance? What inspired you to join this cast?
I did, I played Brendan. It was my second run with that show and as always it was incredible. I get to play this character that I love and I know it means a lot to so many people, so playing Brendan was an honor.

What do you hope the audience got from “Drag: The Musical.”
The audience was so responsive and supportive, they cheered, cried, and laughed. You feel it all! Plus, I think no matter who you are you can relate to at least one of the characters in one way or another.

Even at such a young age, you certainly don’t steer away from the controversial roles, which we love! You also play Cody, the first non-binary character on Disney Junior's Firebuds. Can you tell us a little bit about Firebuds, Cody, and their significance.
I love playing Cody! It is such a special role. It’s a huge win for me if I can help anyone by seeing someone non-binary on screen. Representation, conversations, and acceptance is the idea.

It is exciting to see a non-binary character on a show geared for young kids! What are your thoughts on addressing these issues early on in childhood?
I think the more we see it, the more normal it becomes. This leads to more acceptance and allows children to ask questions and learn about different lifestyles. Personally, I never saw anything as different or weird, because that's not how I was raised. I was not aware of the issues surrounding gay marriage and different sexual orientations until I was much older.

You are also in Netflix’s Rebel Moon. This feels like a bit of a change for you. Can you tell us a bit about the movie and your character Finn?
I played a very small role in the movie, but just being on that incredible set with Zack Snyder and all of those amazing cast members was an experience in itself. I love taking on roles that challenge me and Finn was definitely one of those. It was fun playing a village kid and learning the made-up dialect of the village. The wardrobe and everything was also so different, which added to the excitement.

You've had the opportunity to appear in a diverse array of films, spanning from horror and comedies to commercials. Is there a particular type of role you haven't played yet but would love to try?
Yes! I want to play a character with superpowers! I know that sounds cliche, but every actor wants to play one at least once. Having superpowers and doing stunts... sounds like a fun time!

We admire your ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity and embrace diversity. What inspired you to start advocating?
I just like to help those who aren’t being helped enough on both a small and large scale. I don’t like seeing people, especially kids being put down, especially for things they can’t control. We need to learn to accept people for who they are, not everyone is going to fit into a box or label.

Noticing all of the films you have been in, it seems as if you have fully dedicated yourself to that path. How do you manage your academic career along with your professional acting career?
It's about having a good balance. I’m not on set 7 days a week for 9 hours a day, year-round. I go from project to project but usually get breaks in between. I work on different projects and usually take breaks in between. This way, I don't get burnt out and I always have something new to look forward to. I'm also lucky to love school and have it come easy to me and I'm currently ahead, which is nice!

Anxiety and depression are increasingly prevalent among the youth. What advice would you offer to individuals struggling with mental health?
Dealing with life's challenges can be tough, and we all struggle from time to time everyone is different, and we all have our unique ways of coping. It's essential to have people to talk to, like therapists, friends, and family, and to ask for help and advocate for yourself when things don't feel right. Find activities that bring you happiness because everyone deserves to be happy. Also, surround yourself with individuals who encourage you and make you feel good about yourself.

Looking ahead, what specific goals or milestones do you aspire to achieve in your acting career? Are there particular genres or directors you hope to work with?
Like I said, I love doing it all! – I love being a young actor and performer so right now I’m hoping things pick back up and that good things are coming my way! I plan to keep working hard and choosing projects that are the best for me and my career. I'd love to star in a mystery movie or show. I haven't done anything like that before, and I think it would be so cool!

It's been a crazy past few years. How have you been staying positive?
By keeping busy and remembering that good things will come my way if I stay consistent and put in the work. My team is so amazing and supportive. Although it can be challenging to maintain a positive outlook some days, I understand that it is important to remain focused on the bigger picture and not take things too personally. On the bright side, when things are going well and I am busy with various projects, I remind myself to cherish these moments and enjoy every opportunity that comes my way. This mindset helps me stay motivated and focused for sure!

Are there any upcoming projects you would like to share?
I don't think I can talk about it just yet. I did have two smaller but very cool projects I did last year, which will hopefully be released later this year. Also, I have many more amazing Firebuds episodes that should come out this year and next year as well!

What is your motto in life? Any final words of wisdom?
My mom says I am a dreamer, so we always say "Dream Big, Work Harder". Wishing for things to come true without putting in the effort won't get you far. I always say that you should do what you love and the rest will fall into place.

To learn more about Kayden, please follow him via the links below:
My website has everything I’m working on! Most of my reels, photos, info about me, resume, and article links are on there: www.kaydenkoshelev.com, and my IG is @kaydenkoshelev_official

Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me!

Photography by Diana Ragland.

Kayden Koshelev - Giving Representation To The Younger Generations